A CLUB that supports people with learning difficulties is celebrating a milestone anniversary.

The Thursday Activities Club, based at Barbourne Ex Services Club, Worcester, will celebrate 35 years of providing a hub for individuals with learning difficulties.

Debbie Kyte, 60, from Worcester, has been secretary of the club for 12 years.

She said: “Our aim is to create a supportive environment for our members to meet and come together as a community. We have had people coming to the club since the beginning, 35 years ago.

“There isn’t a lot of social clubs out there nowadays. They have all been closed over the years as the services have been cut. People come from as far as Kidderminster to attend the club.

"There is nothing else out there for them. The club are registered with Mencap, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities. They do not receive external funding and rely purely on door monies, reputation and the resourcefulness of volunteers."

Activities are organised for its members to give them the opportunity to meet with their peers and forge lasting friendships. The club puts on events such as live entertainment, trips out, quizzes and visits to the pantomime.

“I get a lot pleasure from seeing everyone enjoy themselves. They are a delight to be with and their enthusiasm is a joy to watch,” Mrs Kyte said.

“The staff at Barbourne Ex-Services Club go above and beyond for us. Margaret Clarke who is the bar manager gives hours of her time, unpaid, to support us and put on a good night for the members.”

Initially, Mrs Kyte began as a volunteer 15 years ago when her daughter, who has the condition Global Developmental Delay, joined the club as a member.

Mrs Kyte added: “We have grown over the years. We have people coming from the age of 16 to 80-year-olds. There are currently 105 people on the books, with potential members on a waiting list.”

A Halloween party for members will be held on the day of the anniversary, which is Thursday, October 25.